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Doctors and Specialists for Crohn’s

If you’re receiving treatment for Crohn’s disease, you will
have several doctors help you in the process, including some that specialize in
the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.

Primary Care Doctor

A general practitioner may coordinate care and maintain
records of your health. They may also refer you to specialists based on their
observations of your symptoms.

Gastroenterologist

A gastroenterologist specializes in the digestive system and
its disorders. Your primary care doctor may refer you to one to perform an
endoscopy, which is a procedure used to determine a diagnosis and disease
stage. A gastroenterologist might also consult with you and your doctor when
considering how best to treat your condition.

Colon and Rectal Surgeon

Your gastroenterologist may determine that your condition
warrants surgery. If that’s the case, a colon and rectal surgeon will perform
an ileostomy (connecting the small intestine to the abdominal wall) or a
colostomy (connecting the colon to the abdominal wall). An ostomy can be
temporary or permanent, and can be reversed.

Enterostomal Therapist

This is a nurse or healthcare specialist who works
specifically with intestinal surgery patients as they plan for and adjust to
life with a colostomy or ileostomy. If you have a procedure that results in an
ostomy, your general practitioner or gastroenterologist can refer you to an
enterostomal therapist for guidance.

Other Specialists

In addition to the doctors and specialists listed above, you
may need to consult with other medical experts in your quest for better health,
such as:

radiologists

pathologists

nutritionists

infusion center nurses

mental health professionals

Visiting the Doctor

If you’re having persistent or recurring symptoms such as
diarrhea and abdominal pain, you’ll probably first visit your primary care
physician for an evaluation. To make the most of this appointment, it’s helpful
to be prepared.

Before Your Appointment

Having the following information ready will help your doctor
evaluate your condition:

Write down the symptoms you’re experiencing.
Include symptoms you may not think are related, as well as information about when
the symptoms started and how severe they are.

Write down personal information that might be
relevant. Include recent stressors, major life changes, and dietary changes.

Make a list of all medications you’re taking.
Include all vitamins, herbs, and other supplements.

Find out if there is anything special you need
to do before your appointment. For example, your doctor may ask that you
restrict your diet in preparation for blood tests.

Make a list of questions to ask your doctor.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

These are examples of questions you might want to ask your
doctor. You probably have more of your own to add to this list:

What might be causing my symptoms?

Do you think I have Crohn’s or some other
inflammatory bowel disease?

What tests should be done?

What treatments are available?

Is there a cure?

Will this go away without treatment?

Do I need to take medication?

Questions Your Doctor Will Ask You

Your doctor will need complete information to make an
accurate diagnosis or recommendation for testing or referral. They’ll probably
ask some or all of the following questions:

When did your symptoms begin?

Do you have symptoms all the time or some of the
time?

How severe are your symptoms?

Are you able to work and participate in your
usual activities?

Does anything make your symptoms better?

What makes your symptoms worse?

Do you smoke?

Do you take NSAIDs? For example, aspirin, ibuprofen
(Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Alleve), and diclofenac (Volteren, Solaraze).

Does anyone in your family have an inflammatory
bowel disease?

After the Diagnosis

Being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease can be frightening. You
might want to ask your doctor some of the following questions:

What type of Crohn’s do I have?

Will I be able to work, travel, and live
normally?

Can it be treated?

What can I do to make myself feel better?

Can I have children? Will they also have Crohn’s
disease?

Coping and Support

Crohn’s disease can affect your life in many ways. When your
disease is flaring up, you may find it difficult to leave the house. Many
patients experience depression. It might be helpful to talk to a therapist who
has experience with inflammatory bowel diseases.

You might also want to join a support group. Talking with
others who have the same problems can be very helpful. People who have the
disease are also a good source of information about treatments and therapies.
The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America
can help you find a support group either in your community or online.